House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock - 84th R.S. (2015)
Committee Members
- Tracy O. King, Chair
- Charles 'Doc' Anderson, Vice Chair
- Mary González
- Matt Rinaldi
- David Simpson
- Drew Springer
Charges
- Evaluate policy challenges to the state’s agriculture and livestock industry, including long-term impacts of price declines in oil and natural gas; the availability of natural resources, including water, necessary to operate the industries; and the mitigation of and preparation for potential future hazards to the industries caused by natural disaster, drought, or disease.
- Determine the sources of water used by Texans in the production of food and fiber, and examine current water delivery methods and water conservation goals for agricultural use. Evaluate whether there are more efficient and effective water-usage management practices that could be employed in the agricultural industry, and determine the impact of crop insurance requirements on producers. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Natural Resources)
- Evaluate ways in which Texas can continue to promote our domestic agricultural products, across the nation and internationally, and to strengthen our state's international ties for the purpose of exporting Texas food and fiber. (Joint charge with the House Committee on International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs)
- Study the impacts of windblown trash on agriculture and ranching.
- Study the appraisal of agricultural land for taxation and related issues, including the change-of-use "rollback" provision. Examine the impact of the current appraisal system of agricultural land for taxation on rural economic development.
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Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;
b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
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